Baton Ceremony

On Thursday 10 October, Shawlands Primary P7 went to the Glasgow City Chambers because the Queen’s Baton was coming to Glasgow for the start of the relay leading up to the Commonwealth Games since Glasgow was picked to host The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games!

We had an amazing time and it was extremely magnificent. First we went on our bus at 8.45am. My partner was Grace and we were both desperate to get there. It was an exhilarating journey. Not long after we arrived at Glasgow City Chambers!

There were statues and beautiful mosaics. It was magnificent! We went inside and walked up the marble staircase. We walked into a room and took our jackets, coats and jumpers off and got our flags. I had to share a flag with Manazza. Sadly I can’t remember the flag we held.

Hillhead Primary was the other school who held flags as well as us! I was thrilled, excited and amazed about what we were about to do, I knew this was going to be an exceptional time which I will always remember. Our class went downstairs and stood at the entrance of the Glasgow City Chambers waiting for the Queen’s Baton to arrive! I knew my classmate Hibah was excited because she was dancing around!

Humza Yousaf who was a MSP came and started to talk to us. Eventually I heard bagpipes so I knew someone special was going to come in with the baton! A lady came in with the baton followed by Clyde. We cheered and waved our flags. That continued for a few minutes.

After it had finished we went upstairs into a room. It had big, beautiful pictures which seemed ancient. It had outstanding detail which was used on the painting. The baton was placed down. Next there was a song from a choir.

Afterwards there were some speeches from Louise Martin, Lord Smith, Humza Yousaf and more. Near the end Freya, Nabeel and Aaron from my class had a special photograph taken with the baton and Clyde.

At the end the baton was taken out of the room. Our class and Hillhead Primary were allowed to touch the baton which was exciting. My classmates Elena and Subhan were interviewed by a journalist. When the baton left the room we went back up the marble staircase. When we got to our room we had a drink and a snack. I talked to my best friends: Grace, Hibah, Lyba and Aniya.

Finally we left Glasgow City Chambers and returned to Shawlands Primary School. I knew this was a day which I would cherish and will never forget!

By Nafeesa Asghar Shawlands Primary School